uSwitch Mobiles

Apple plotting Android phone trade–in programme

Apple is priming a new, in–store service that will allow owners of devices running Google Android to trade–in their old phones and tablets for Apple gift cards. These can then be used to buy iPhones in the Cupertino company’s high street locations.

The plans have yet to be officially announced, but a string of anonymous sources have briefed 9to5mac on the details. It seems the programme will get underway in the next few weeks, with staff currently undergoing training.

Android owners will be able to take their phones to Apple employees, who will then decide how much the phone is worth.

A similar programme already exists for iPhones and iPads, with users able to trade older models for newer ones.

Currently it is not clear whether the service will get a global rollout. However, the iPhone and iPad trade–in programme initially started in the US before spreading globally. It’s likely that this will follow a similar pattern.

Apple has been eating into Android sales since the launch of its iPhone 6 towards the end of last year, with some analysts claiming it is now the largest mobile-maker in the world.

But with the launch of new devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and HTC’s One M9, Apple now faces a challenge to stay on top.

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